Football: Former NIU, Bears running back Garrett Wolfe arrested

Former Northern Illinois University (NIU) star running back and Chicago Bears special teamer Garrett Wolfe was arrested in Miami Sunday, May 22. Wolfe has been charged with retail theft, assaulting a police officer, resisting arrest with violence and disorderly conduct, according to Miami-Dade County booking information.

Wolfe spent most of his freshman year at NIU on the sideline but quickly established himself as one of the best running backs in the country during his sophomore year. He rushed for more than 1,400 yards and scored 17 touchdowns during the last seven games of his second season.

He went on to finish his career at NIU as their all-time leading rusher with 5,164 yards and 52 touchdowns. Following his senior season, he was the third-round pick of the Chicago Bears in the 2007 draft.

During his last four years with Chicago, Wolfe has been used primarily as a backup running back and on special teams. He has appeared in 41 games for the Bears and has 68 rushing attempts for a total of 274 yards and one touchdown. He has 11 catches for 129 yards and no touchdowns.

Following last year’s playoff season, the Bears did not tender him an offer as a potential restricted free agent, so when the NFL (or a judge) decides to end the player lockout and officially resume business, Wolfe will be an unrestricted free agent.

If the charges against Wolfe are true, it looks as though the Bears made the correct decision.